Pluses and Minuses

? Plus: The Licking County Chamber of Commerce and the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority continue to proactively work for our community through their efforts this week in Washington, D.C. They funded a bus trip to Congress for local leaders to continue efforts aimed at protecting Boeing's $1.3 billion contract for its work in Heath repairing and maintaining high-tech military equipment. Boeing remains one of Licking County's most important employers, thanks to its successful privatization of government work at the former Newark Air Force Base. We commend our local leaders for taking the time to make this effort.

? Minus: We won't criticize Lakewood Superintendent Jay Gault's decision to cancel classes Wednesday after a fleeing suspect crashed into school property at 2 a.m., then fled on foot. Gault was acting in the safety interests of students. But we were somewhat troubled by this statement: "I didn't want a bunch of kids standing around waiting for buses or walking to school while these two yahoos are running around." Reality tells us our kids are out among "yahoos" every day while they go about their lives. Who knows how often a criminal drives past kids standing at a bus stop. There's a point in time where we have to live our lives and be smart about personal safety. We can't live in shells.

? Minus: We're concerned about the future of the Prevent Assault and Violence Education program, which works to help students learn about the repercussions of bullying, as well as sexual assault, abuse and unhealthy body image. The program, operated by Mental Health America of Licking County, lost its grant this past fall and is dependent on donations until it can reapply this fall.

PAVE has helped numerous local children since 1994, not only by educating them about life challenges, but by using students themselves to share the message.

Donations to support PAVE can be sent to Mental Health America of Licking County, 65 Messimer Drive, Newark, OH 43055. Indicate in the memo line of the check that the contribution is for PAVE.

? Minus: Although we welcomed the decision of JobsOhio to release it financial records for a state audit by Auditor Dave Yost, we were deeply disappointed by the stinging rhetoric of JobsOhio leaders and some Republicans. They claim Yost is misguided in his attempt to follow state law, and that his efforts could sabotage economic development in Ohio by disclosing the secrets of private companies working with JobsOhio. Even after returning state money and grants, JobsOhio remains dependent on state resources through profits from the state's controlled liquor sales.

The bottom line is quite simple: Taxpayers have a right to know their money was spent properly. They depend on the auditor to make sure that happens.

If JobsOhio does business the right way, its leaders have nothing to worry about.

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Pluses and Minuses

Plus: The Licking County Chamber of Commerce and the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority continue to proactively work for our community through their efforts this week in Washington, D.C.